Pop: Parker not expected out long

MINNEAPOLIS — Spurs coach Gregg Popovich wanted to be clear when it came to the decision to leave hobbled point guard Tony Parker home from the two-game trip to Minnesota and Dallas this week.

“This isn’t me resting somebody,” Popovich said after shootaround this morning at the Target Center. “The docs don’t think he can go. We’re going to give him the time that he needs, according to what they say.”

The good news for the Spurs is that Popovich expects to see Parker back on the floor before the playoffs start in a week and a half. The six-time All-Star has been ruled out of the next two games with a sprained facet (pronounced fuh-SET) joint in his back.

The joint is found at the bottom of each vertebra, and can be jammed or sprained like any other joint (a finger, for example). Parker, 31, injured his twisting around Memphis’ Mike Conley for a layup in Sunday’s victory over the Grizzlies.

The injury can be painful, but is not serious. Parker received an anti-inflammatory injection Monday in San Antonio.

Asked if he is considering shutting Parker down for the remainder of the regular season, Popovich said, “I don’t think it’s that serious.”

Popovich said he would prefer Parker play in a game or two before the playoffs begin, when health allows it.

“He got a shot in there, and he’s got to let it calm down,” Popovich said. “For sure, this week, these next couple of games he’s not going to be able to go.”

The Spurs have weathered Parker’s absences well this season, going 9-2 with him out of the lineup. Cory Joseph will start in Parker’s place for the time being.

With the playoffs fast approaching, the timing of Parker’s latest trip to the injured list is not optimal.

“This time, it’s a little different,” Manu Ginobili said. “Because we were all talking about how important it was to get ready, to be playing together, closing games. This setback from Tony doesn’t help.”

Still, Ginobili acknowledged, when it comes to getting Parker back, late is better than never.

“The important thing is to get him back healthy,” Ginobili said. “If he has to take two, three or four, it’s alright. We just need him healthy.”